Time-of-Flight Sensor Object Detection in Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems in housings are limited by their dependence on object color and material, require significant energy consumption, and cannot accurately determine object displacement or occupancy levels, especially since RFID devices need tagged objects and visual detection uses expensive cameras with complex algorithms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing time-of-flight sensors to measure and compare three-dimensional scenes within a housing, allowing for the detection of object presence, absence, and displacement without prior calibration, and calculating occupancy levels, while operating intermittently to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID detection devices are used to detect objects in a housing, then object presence can be determined, but each object must be equipped with an RFID chip which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from object-dependent systems (RFID tags on objects) to a system-independent approach (ToF sensors detecting objects through their physical presence and light interaction). This eliminates the need for RFID chips on each object while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ToF sensor system provides universal detection capability for objects of any shape, color, or material composition without requiring object-specific components. A single sensor system handles all detection tasks regardless of object characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If visual detection devices with cameras are used to detect objects in a housing, then object presence and characteristics can be determined, but the devices are expensive and require complex algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex visual recognition systems (cameras with image processing algorithms) with a simpler optical measurement system (ToF sensors). The ToF approach uses direct time-based measurement of light travel instead of complex image analysis, reducing computational requirements while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visual appearance (color, shape recognition) to physical distance measurement. By measuring the time of flight of light to determine object position and presence, the system achieves accurate detection without complex visual processing.
3Reliability
If traditional presence detection sensors are used, then object presence can be detected, but the detection effectiveness depends on object color and material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts detection capability from object-specific properties (color, material) and bases it instead on the universal physical property of light reflection and time of flight. All objects regardless of their optical properties can be detected through their physical presence in the measurement volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The ToF sensor system provides universal detection for objects with any color, shape, or material composition. The detection method is independent of object optical properties and relies solely on the physical presence and distance measurement.
4Reliability
If continuous operation of detection devices is used, then constant monitoring of object presence is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the ToF sensor operates intermittently rather than continuously. The system can detect object presence, absence, and movement by comparing measurements taken at different times, reducing energy consumption while maintaining monitoring capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively detects and tracks objects of any shape, color, and construction within a housing, providing accurate occupancy information and reducing energy usage compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor of flight time type measures a first three-dimensional scene inside the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting an object in a housing, includes: determining a first scene inside the housing using a time of flight sensor, wherein the housing is empty during determination of the first scene; determining, by a processor, a second scene inside the housing using the time of flight sensor; comparing, by the processor, the first scene with the second scene; and determining, by the processor, a presence or an absence of the object in the housing based on a result of comparing the first scene with the second scene.